From a Name to a Number: A Holocaust Survivor's Autobiography

by Alter Wiener

Alter Wiener's father was brutally murdered on September 11, 1939 by the German invaders of Poland. Alter was then a boy of 13. At the age of 15 he was deported to Blechhammer, a Forced Labor Camp for Jews, in Germany. He survived five camps. Upon liberation by the Russian Army on May 9, 1945, Alter weighed 80 lbs as reflected on the book's cover. Alter Wiener is one of the very few Holocaust survivors still living in Portland, Oregon. He moved to Oregon in 2000 and since then he has shared his life story with over 700 audiences (as of June, 2011) in universities, colleges, middle and high schools, Churches, Synagogues, prisons, clubs, etc. He has also been interviewed by radio and TV stations as well as the press. Wiener's autobiography is a testimony to an unfolding tragedy taking place in WWII. Its message illustrates what prejudice may lead to and how tolerance is imperative. This book is not just Wiener's life story but it reveals many responses to his story. Hopefully, it will enable many readers to truly understand such levels of horror and a chance to empathize with the unique plight of the Holocaust victims. Feel free to visit my website www.alterwiener.com for more information including links.

Genres: Holocaust, Nonfiction, Biography, History, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Jewish

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2007

About the author

Alter Wiener (1926–2018) was a Polish Holocaust survivor who detailed his experiences in a 2007 memoir, titled “From a Name to a Number: A Holocaust Survivor’s Autobiography.”
His father was killed when he was 13, according to his autobiography. He spent three years in concentration camps, including the infamous Auschwitz camp. When he was liberated in 1945, he weighed only 80 pounds.
Born in Chrzanów, southern Poland, Wiener was one of the last remaining survivors in the Portland, Oregon area, where he had lived since 2000. He shared his life story with nearly 1,000 groups at schools, churches, synagogues and more.
He was working to persuade Oregon state legislators to create and pass a bill that would mandate educators teach students about the Holocaust and genocide. It was dubbed the Genocide Curriculum bill.

Reviews

[Ginger]

___A Personal Note___
A dear friend of mine personally knew this sweet man.
I never had the pleasure but she has told me a few stories and I truly wish I could have met him.
He passed away last night 12/11/18. My heart goes out to his friends and family.
He survived 3 years in concentration camps and was 92 years old. He touched many lives and had a beautiful light that will truly be missed.

[Rosemary Dreyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

An Important Telling About Horror:
Alter Wiener shares the unbelievably terrible story of his life in occupied Poland and the terror of living through five prison camps. Somehow he survived and shares what he lived through. His experience is vital and important. Unfortunately as a book, it was not written well. His narrative jumps from people, places, and time. He does not come across as the gentle, loving husband and father that he portrays when sharing his story with the general public. While I applaud his courage and his ability to inspire others through his own tragedies, I wish he had enlisted the talents of a real writer to share this story.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true and moving story of Alter Wiener, who survived the Holocaust. In this book he tells of his youth leading up to and through and beyond his harrowing experiences Polish concentration camps. It’s harrowing, horrifying, beyond all compare to any situation I have, or will ever have, to face. It’s a heart wrenching story about another dark chapter in our world history. Just when you think you know your history, you read a firsthand account and realize that you have no idea the depth of the depravity and ache for those who do. I ache for the author of his book. I also ache at the realization that the massacre of the holocaust continues into current generations since family lines died useless, senseless, deaths so terribly few years ago.

The book, post holocaust, continues to be a tough read. Mr. Wiener struggled, as so many do, to pick up his life and rebuild from nothing while having lost all who loved and supported him. To have been taken from your family at age thirteen would be difficult enough. To endure what he did, need to move on, rebuild and to cope is almost unimaginable.

The author is frank about his travels, struggles and what it took to build a new life. He admits to some conflicted feelings for his wife and seems to struggle to have his children understand how fortunate they are. It must have been hard for them all to reconcile the past with the present. I believe that his struggles demonstrate the fact that the holocaust impacts not only the survivors but those of their next generations. It would be a difficult burden for all to bear and makes the Holocaust all the more tragic.

Mr. Wiener's experiences, struggles, willingness to forgive, and ability to move on is powerful. As a public speaker, he only drives this point home even further. At the young age of 86, this man is out sharing his story with over 800 audiences (and counting.) He is touching lives, putting a human face and spirit to history. Mr. Wiener is to be commended for his ongoing bravery.

[Adam Utehs]

This is a true survival story of Alter Wiener, who survived the Holocaust and he tells his journey through this horrifying adventure. I really love books that are true stories because i feel like i can really interact with the characters on a whole other level. This is a very touching novel because you read and really feel everything Alter is going through and can learn about the history of the Holocaust from a first hand survivor. Since I am very interested in the Holocaust I may be kind of biased but I highly recommend this novel to anyone that loves true stories about events that happened in the world.

[Kali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book about his story in the holocaust. Makes you feel small for every complaining about anything and makes your remember to thank the lord everyday for every small blessing in your life. Also goes into our responsibility as humans to stand up for the rights of others that may not have the freedoms we do. Do not turn a blind eye and say it's not our problem. Very good book!

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

His story is amazing and I hate to even give this three stars because I can't imagine what he went through. His writing, however, is not amazing... So I feel stuck. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could. I liked it, I hate that he went through what he did in the holocaust and surviving afterwards misplaced and homeless (a side of surviving the holocaust I had never thought of). But the writing seemed vague and wandering most of the time. Great story, just needed a lot of editing.

[Rayna Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true survival story of Alter Wiener, who survived the Holocaust and he tells his journey through this terrifying adventure. This is a very touching novel because you read and really feel everything You can learn about the history of the Holocaust from a first hand survivor. Alter is a likable man with a good heart, but his story lacked depth. It felt rushed. He spends a lot of time after the story talking about the public speaking events he has participated in, which is very nice. I enjoyed this book a lot more because I met Alter Wiener before and heard his story spoken. It help having the picture to show the story of his experience. I would recommend this book to anyone who like learning and reading about the Holocaust and seeing it from someone who has been through it. You will never no how bad it truly was, but this can help. Also, it help so these stories are not lost. Read this book if you are interested in a sad book and is probably more interesting if you have never heard a story of a holocaust survive even if it's a little boring at times it's a quick read so I recommend it.

[John Orman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a riveting description of the hardships and degradation many people suffered through during the Holocaust. It is a testament to courage and the will to survive.

This book gives a first person witness to the Holocaust, which should lead them to an increased awareness of the need for tolerance. Compared to a Nazi concentration camp, all our troubles seem so trivial. Read Mr. Wiener's story, and you will see.

Wiener speaks extensively at schools and organizations in his city of residence, which is Hillsboro, OR--the same town I live in! So I was very much looking forward to hearing Alter speak, and I enjoyed his talk given in Vancouver, WA in August, 2013. I recommended that our local senior center request that Mr. Wiener speak at the cente, and he is now scheduled to speak there on Nov. 8. I am again looking forward to hearing his tale of survival and courage as a young boy staring into the face of unrelenting evil.

[Philip Mandel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not just a story of "look how terribly I was treated." It is an inspiring autobiography with just enough "look how I was treated" to set the stage for the important messages of hope, the absurdity of prejudice and stereotyping, and striving for self-improvement. It is important to note that a significant portion of the book is dedicated to Wiener's life after liberation -- when he wasn't as free as one might expect -- and to responses from his audiences based on his speaking presentations since the year 2000 (this book was initially published in 2007). As of today, August 2013, Mr. Wiener has given well over 800 live presentations in the states of Oregon and Washington. Those who want to learn more about this remarkable man are welcome to visit his website http://www.alterwiener.com and to Like his book's Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/fromaname.

[Devan Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We forgot how to talk, how to communicate, and how to smile"
What a beautiful outlook on life. For a man who faced such terrors, hatred, and lived a nightmare, Alter Weiner gives us lessons in love and education. I feel every story should be heard. It is the only way to prevent another Holocaust. I was deeply moved and rewarded with a brighter outlook on life, people, and love. May I live a life that makes a difference. I recommend this to anyone, because everyone could gain a valuable piece of history as well as learn to be a more open, loving person.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alter Wiener's story is unique, like any holocaust survivor, and heartbreaking. To contemplate what Alter endured is absolutely humbling. As a Jew, the read was that much more meaningful. He also writes about his post-war experiences in Israel and America--a true story of perseverance. Wiener stresses the need for education and the preservation of human rights. We are all in this together, and we must do our best to ensure that the world we live in is an upright place. An inspiring read.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alter is a likable man with a good heart, but his story lacked depth. It felt rushed. He spends a lot of time after the story talking about the public speaking events he has participated in, which is very nice. He focuses a lot on being happy with what you have and getting a good education. It's a lighter read (if a Holocaust book can be a light read) compared to Night and Escape from Sobibor.

[anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written account

this book is very well written and the few times Yiddish or Hebrew expressions were used, there was a translation. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning as much as possible about this horrible time. I as a child was there and to young to hear or see anything.Where was God?????? I have read many books now about this, especially accounts of survivors, and I am losing my faith.

[Elsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to meet Alter with a friend in Portland. He is an amazing man. I am grateful for the story he shares and am eager to share with my family. I love the final 3 words of his book--Count your Blessings! With his joie de vivre he has the ability to put our first world problems in perspective and truly find gratitude for the blessings that surround us--family, freedom and love.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crudely written but a compelling story

[Steadycamscott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am writing this review in memory of the book’s author Alter Weiner.

I am a news photojournalist at a Portland TV station. I had never met a Holocaust survivor before and by my brief time talking with Alter I felt very humbled by him.

About a year or two later, probably 2019, I was interviewing Alter’s friend Claire Sarnowski about Alter’s passing and Oregon Senate Bill on Holocaust Education in schools and her mother Carol gave me Alters book. She insisted I take it and said to write an Amazon review because Alter loved looking at them.

For many years the book sat on my shelf until now. I had just gotten back into reading and felt I owed Alter and Carol to read it and give my review.

The book answers many questions I had about the Holocaust. What it was like? What happened after the war? How Jews were treated both during and post war? Internationally at the time what was known about the concentration camps? Alter takes the task to answer those while also serving as a biography.

The book is very detailed recounting Alter’s life before, during, and after the war. Reading from his perspective gives a glimpse into the atrocities that happened. I am incredibly admired by his strength and persistence of hope even in such horrible times. I cannot imagine what it must’ve been like surviving in a concentration camp. What Alter has done speaking about his experiences is nothing short of amazing.

I wish I could tell him today how wonderful his book is, but this review should suffice. Meeting him and reading his book has made a lasting impact on me and I cannot thank him enough.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read From A Name To A Number by Alter Wiener which was first published on April 5th, 2007.
This book is an autobiography by Alter Wiener about his experiences in the holocaust and his experiences after the holocaust. He explains how he was treated after he left the concentration camps as well. Many people helped him after he had left the concentration camps, but he was also mocked when he went through Germany back to Czechoslovakia.
I thought that the book was very interesting, and I enjoyed reading all the way through. I am glad that he included the letters he received from students at the end of the book because they were heartwarming to read. This book taught me that I need to be satisfied with what I have because it could be considerably worse, it also teaches me to be humble as Alter Wiener is, and to be kind even if you have had an awful day/traumatic experience because Wiener is very humble about his experiences in concentration camps.
There were some things that I learned about concentration camps and what happened after the holocaust in this book that I didn’t know until now. For example, I learned that not everyone was kind to the holocaust survivors after the holocaust; I just assumed that everyone was sympathetic with the jews.
There is a lot to learn from this book, so I suggest you try reading it! There is much knowledge to be gained from this book, so give it a shot!

[Isaac Mirza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn’t necessarily say that this book has a solid theme as it is an autobiography of Wieners life, instead I would say there are many small morals and lessons to learn through the experiences he shares. This book is hands down one of the most amazing written autobiographies I have ever read, and the most authentic book related to the holocaust I have read. The author portrays not only his situation through the holocaust, but how his mind felt everyday. The description on what he endured mentally as well as physically, and his mindset through all of it is so raw that it genuinely makes you stomach churn as you think of yourself in his position. Three things that I liked was that the book was not all depressing, Wiener shares positive tales of his life as well, the level of description is incredible for someone who has had no previous professional writing experience, and the author talked about every aspect of his life during the holocaust, even the “good parts”, which was refreshing compared to other holocaust novels I have read. Two things I didn’t enjoy as much was that at times the authors story jumped around a bit, and he did leave a lot of lose ends which made you feel a little unsatisfied, though it is someones life, not a fiction novel, so that can be expected.

[Barry Shatzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alter Wiener's book does more than merely document atrocities. It provides a first-hand perspective of what it's like to live under persecution, what it's like to live after being liberated from a nightmare you can't begin to imagine no matter how many films you've seen, and what one thinks about during those times.

You'll learn some history from this book. But more significant, this book is a rare opportunity to see a full life through eyes that have seen more than any eyes should ever have to see. Reading it will change you.

For the sake of full disclosure, i need to say that i know Alter personally. That said, i wouldn't have written this if if didn't reflect my honest thoughts. But it does let me offer one more positive aspect. I can tell you that this book is as real as things get. It really does read as if you're sitting with Alter at a coffee house having a conversation with him - and it's a lot cheaper than flying to Portland to do that.

[James Finateri · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we progress from the horrors of the Holocaust, it is our responsibility to learn from the people who have lived through this dark period in history. In this book, Alter Wiener describes his life under the persecution of Nazi’s, as well as his life after liberation. It’s a unique story dealing with what humans do when faced with adversity. When times looked bleak for Wiener, and many people around him wished for death, he was able to keep hope. He hoped one day he would make it out of his plight and live a full life. Which is just what he did. The reader is not only able to relive his struggles in concentration camps but go with him on a journey after liberation. His story is important for everyone to know because it teaches us a life lesson on overcoming struggles and growing from challenges.

[Mickey The Goose · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was sadly dissapointed. I always love to read stories about the survivors and after hearing Alter Wiener speak when I was nine, I was excited to read his book. It wasn't what I expected. Around 63 pages into the memoir, the camp had already been liberated. The rest dragged on in an account of his life after the war. This might have been interesting had he approached the subject in a different way, instead I felt like I was looking through a log of how many women he had been with. It would be better to look up one of his talks on Youtube (sadly he died back in 2018, so you can't see him in person) or reading a different book about a different survivor.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of hearing Alter speak at my workplace and sharing his story. The holocaust is a horrific time in our history that everyone should be aware of so it doesn't repeat. It's unfathomable that there are people who believe it didn't happen. It was an honor to be in Mr. Wiener's presence these day he shared his story. Not only did he survive but he has the strength and courage to talk about the horrors that he suffered through. Read his story and be brave like him and help to defeat prejudice and evil in this world. He and all the other survivors deserve that!!

[Alyssa Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, not my favorite Holocaust memoire. I thought what he did write about his experiences were really great, but the last 100+ pages all he did was summarize school visits and public speaking engagements he'd done and included a few letters people wrote to him, as well as a Q&A at the end from his speeches. I thought the back half of the book was supremely boring.

The first half of the book was great and I loved the way he parceled out the chapters in different topics. You can skip the second half.

[Kristin DeGarmo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested to read this after meeting the author and hearing his presentation. I am slightly disappointed by the book for a few reason. One the book is poorly written and/or edited. The book doesn’t not flow well and the sentences are composed in odd ways. I am glad to have read and known this man’s story but I feel like his story could’ve been written/edited to be better. Not something I will read again but I do recommend those interested to read articles on his life.

[Harry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memoir of Polish Holocaust survivor. In the first part of the book, Wiener relates the horrors he endured during the Shoa while transferring from one Labor Camp to another. Yet most of the book cover the post-Holocaust period, as the author tries tom pick up pieces of his life and overcome the trauma he went through.
But the book could have been better written and edited. I'm sure Wiener had someone help with the English, but the book is in serious need of a ghost writer.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to put a label on this kind of writing. It was explicit, enlightening, horrifying and ultimately, very uplifting to me. I think everyone should read it. I am glad my friend loaned it to me.

"Compassionate people have no right to remain silent in the face of genocide against any people."

"Prejudice is not a character flaw; it is a contagious disease."

[Elizabeth R]

I suspect this is a self published memoir, and the author’s passion for his message and deep pain are obvious throughout. It seems he had a very successful public speaking life starting around his retirement at 75, and it seems to have done him a lot of good. I was grateful he decided to share his experiences.

[Jeri Silfies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gosh, I wish he had had a good editor to help him with this book. His story, if one can sort it out, is amazing, heart wrenching and compelling but so disjointed that it is hard to read for structural reasons. It is also hard to read for emotional reasons but that is as it should be.

[Robin or Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alter Wiener's life story is both amazing and horrifying. While I knew how badly Jews were treated during WWII, I didn't realize how hard their lives were after the war.

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning is a bit dry and goes on and on. Push past the first few chapters and get into the last half, it does get more interesting.